What I Used to Build the TT-02

Before I started the build, I gathered the basic tools, supplies, and electronics I planned to use. These are the ones that actually proved useful during the build and on the finished car.

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Build Tools

Screwdrivers & Hex Drivers

A good JIS screwdriver makes building the TT-02 much easier. I used #1 and #2 JIS screwdrivers, along with a 1.5mm hex driver for the pinion.

1.5mm hex driver tightening the TT-02 pinion gear

Cutting & Cleanup

I used nippers or fingernail clippers to remove parts from the sprue and a hobby knife to clean up any leftover plastic.

A parts tray also made it much easier to keep track of the small screws while building.

Using fingernail clippers to remove a plastic burr left by the sprue on a TT-02 part

Drivetrain & Tires

For the drivetrain, I used grease on the gears as called for during the build.

I also used CA tire glue to attach the tires.

Applying grease to the TT-02 ring gears with a syringe

Painting the Body

For the Celica body, I used masking tape and Tamiya PS paint. I also used Lexan scissors and a body reamer to cut and finish the body.

Tamiya Celica ST165 body masked with green FrogTape for custom splatter paint effect

Electronics

Servo — Deegoo MG996R

The Deegoo MG996R isn’t the fastest servo, but it was plenty for the dirt setup I was building. The metal gears are also a nice bonus for the price.

Battery — OVONIC 2S Shorty LiPo

I used an OVONIC 2S Shorty LiPo, a battery I already use in several of my cars that can fit it.

The shorty battery keeps some weight down and gives me more flexibility with battery placement.

Installing an OVONIC 2S Shorty LiPo battery in the Tamiya TT-02 with Deegoo MG996R servo installed

← Back to My Tamiya TT-02 Journey

Bottom line: You don’t need a huge collection of specialty tools to build a TT-02, but having the right screwdrivers, a few basic tools, and the right electronics makes the build much easier.

What I Recommend: If you’re building a TT-02, I’d spend a little more on the tools you’ll use repeatedly. Here’s the setup I’d recommend so you don’t make some of the same mistakes I did.

Starter Kit
- EcoPower Tool Kit — a good starting point.
Core Drivers
- 1/4″ Ratcheting Screwdriver
- Vessel Torsion Bit : use #1 & #2 JIS for TT-02
- ProTek “TruTorque” Power Drill Tip
Cutting & Trimming
- Hobby Knife — for cleaning up parts.
- Side Cutters — for removing parts from the sprue.
- Fingernail Clippers — my secret weapon for cutting plastic burrs.
Tire Glue
- Pro-Line, JConcepts, AKA, ProTek
Lubrication
- WD-40 Specialist Silicone Lubricant — a safe choice if you’re unsure what to use.
- Super Lube Synthetic Multi-Purpose — for bevel and ring gears.
- Liberty Oil — my choice for bearing oil.
Mounting
- Hook and Loop Adhesive (AKA VELCRO) — for things you may want to remove, like a receiver.
- Double-Sided Tape — a more permanent solution.
Paint & Body
- TAMIYA Polycarbonate Spray Paint
- Lexan Scissors